The second match of the second leg of the Semifinals has proven that ManU's win over Milan was simply a stroke of luck. Manchester United's performance was very disappointing. It was evident that they were not prepared and that Ferguson's strategy of a full frontal assault wasn't evident until the 60th minute of the game. He thought it was going to be a scoring match. And it was. But only for AC Milan. And to make things worse, it rained. Rooney's speed was compromised, big time, that he was slipping and sliding all over. Well, every ManU player was slipping and sliding. Cristiano Ronaldo's attempts to score was futile, he only made himself look greedy for glory. Or at least, "bought." Didn't he know he could be killed for shaving points? He was also diving more often than usual. With regards to the referreeing, it was a bit one-sided at first, favoring Milan, but my thoughts of the game being fixed by a "bought" referee was quashed when he unleashed 3 yellow cards: Ambrosini and Gattuso for Milan, and Cristiano Ronaldo for ManU. What made me think that the calls were biased is because of Rooney's falls. I was convinced he didn't dive for any of them BUT he was never given the benefit of being fouled. Nonetheless, the ref's call stood and the game must go on. ManU, at best, was embarassing during their match against Milan. Admittedly, I am impressed with Milan's performance as they showed a very well-balanced game. They can score AND they can defend. Their defense is, no doubt a lot better than their previous match. Kaka's goal on the 11th minute, which tied the aggregate, was already a proof that Milan was not going to accept defeat, especially when they are playing at home for a finals berth. ManU's hopes for a finals with Liverpool waned a bit --- OK, a lot --- when Seedorf scored a second goal, still, in the first half, eventually taking the lead in the aggregate 4-3. Gilardino's goal on the 78th minute drove the last nail in ManU's coffin, sealing a UEFA Champions League finals rematch between Milan and Liverpool. Why a rematch? Because Milan and Liverpool fought each other in the UEFA Champions League last 2005. Milan lost then. I don't think they will lose again. Comparing the performances of both teams and trying to imagine a match between them, I'd say Milan would win. However, if Liverpool takes their defense up a notch or two and force a shootout, I'd say they would more likely to win in the pens than Milan. That is, IF they can stop Kaka and Seedorf. Now if you put in divine intervention, say, it rains on that fateful day, it would definitely be Milan, hands-down. But then again, this is all speculation. What now for ManU? The same question also goes to Chelsea as they both prepare to fight each other for the FA cup. But right now, I'm officially taking back what I said in my last post regarding the FA cup belonging to ManU. With the performances of Chelsea and ManU in the Champions League semis, the FA cup would be better off with another team than any of the two. But of course, I'd settle with any of the two as long as Watford NEVER gets their hands on the FA Cup. Bleh!